Inverness Castle transformation main construction contract out to tender
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The Highland Council has published the main construction contract for the Inverness Castle transformation on the procurement website Public Contracts Scotland (PCS).
About this development:
- Authority:Highland
- Type:Leisure, Commercial
- Applications:
- Team:LDN Architects (architect)
Exterior of Castle building, showing proposed new building linking the castle’s two towers, viewed from the east
The contract signals the next stage in the transformation of Inverness Castle to become a tourism gateway for the Highlands.
The planned construction will include:
- Reopening the original front entrance to the building in the south tower.
- Improving accessibility to all parts of the building, including a rooftop viewing area.
- Contemporary additions to the building including a new café space between the north and south towers of the Castle.
- Creating new external viewing terraces including one on the roof of the building above the main door in the south tower.
Upgrading the environment around the Castle with significant landscaping works. - Careful conservation of the building fabric throughout.
The changes will transform Inverness Castle into a cultural centrepiece to be enjoyed by the public, inspiring people to visit all parts of the Highlands.
West view of the proposed new building linking the castle’s two towers
The tender process is beginning following the completion of enabling works (involving demolition of recent additions to the building, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks) and the successful planning application approved by The Highland Council South Planning Applications Committee in April 2021. Note, all timings for the project are subject to change, due to the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3m UK Government investment through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. It will create a gateway for Highland tourism, contributing to reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project will support economic growth throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and “must-see” attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.
Another view from the west, with access to the terrace on the west side of the building
The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Images courtesy of LDN Architects
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